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I'm travelling into a new way of working, a new country, a new language, and a new hobby which I'm passionate about. Come with me for some of the journey...

Sunday, 5 March 2017

Fungus Foray

Hello all! I'm glad you enjoyed touring the Tiny Greenhouses.I'm back today with one of my watercolour experiments... and it's of something you might just find tucked away in the mulch behind the greenhouse.Cestina is always complaining there aren't enough mushrooms to be found here at Words and Pictures (as a Czech by blood, she's an avid fungi forayer), so this appears with the aim of keeping her quiet for a while!As you know, I'm still playing with the watercolours - learning how to use them and exploring different styles, and I'm not entirely sure about these.Even though I'm in two minds about them, I wanted to share these mushrooms in time to play along with the Handpainted theme at Moo-Mania and More.

It was fun making the attempt, but I'm not sure I'm ever going to be botanically accurate, especially as I made this species up out of my head!

I almost wish I'd left it at the earlier "sketch" stage.

There's a fresher look to it (though it was a duller day when I took these photos). They do say one of the great risks with watercolour is overworking a painting...

... and I think I may have fallen into that trap here, losing some of the lightness of touch.

Though I must confess I like some of the detailing on the mushroom caps in the "finished" version.

I'm pleased with the stalks too - using a flat brush on its side to create the shaping and dimension, and taking those strokes down to create the first outline of the earth in which they're embedded.

I kept the background very soft and loose. I like that the imagination fills in the gaps and shapes of what might be there.

I used the other end of one of the paintbrushes to add some grassy texture amongst the stalks.And a touch of splatter always makes me happy, as you know.

I think some of the shading works quite well in creating dimension and shadow.

I hope you like this little foray into the world of imaginary fungi, another watercolour adventure.

Let me know what you make of it - it's always great to hear your feedback, and every comment is very much appreciated, especially when I'm daring to share these handpainted creations. I hope you're all enjoying a restorative weekend, however you are spending it.

42 comments:

I think this is amazing Alison. I was encouraged to actually have a go at water colours after seeing yours but it will be forever before I get to this standard. I am still laughing at the words today.. Thanks for that on this wet and windy evening

Alison, you're always such a huge inspiration for me. I've lost my mojo a bit lately, but since I popped over here, I'm fired up to go paint some mushrooms! I feel a journal page coming on. I love yours they are marvellous. Hope to see you soon. Take care, Michelle x It's been a while since I updated my blog, but I may just blog something this week. Thank you xx

I love your mini forest of mushroom trees, yes that's what they remind me of standing tall and proud together. They are beautiful with their earthy colours and magnificent shapes and your watercolouring skills are fabulous with a great balance of loose marks and clever details that bring your fungi to life. You go girl, more please. Xxx

I my mind your mushrooms turned out perfect!Your watercolouring is beautiful! An absolute must for you to keep on with that medium! Amazing! And..you made me happy with linking up to Moo Mania & More!Your participation is much appreciated!Thank you ♥I wish you a happy new week dear Alison!oxo Susi

For me the final pieces are more grounded. The green provides a lovely contrast to your earthy tones. I agree that spaces are good and our eyes see what we wish to. When I look at them, I feel like I am a Lilliputian, about to embark upon an adventure through the woods. Loving your experiments, I like to dabble too, when the mood takes me, but somehow, the paint tin greens, and nature's version never seem to collide. Perhaps I am too impatient and need to experiment more and make notes. You are inspiring me though! Love the quote by the way! Very dry! Xx 🍄 🍄

You are ,for me, an expert Alison, your mushrooms looks real enough to me, and I love the extra details you added, second time working on them. Love your easy hand on the background, with the rest of the rest of the forest, disappearing in the mist !!xoxo

There's not "much room" (get it?) for improvement on these fungi as I think they are perfect. Love them - love the delicate colouring and the ethereal woodland in the background is the perfect foil for your fungi. The placing and the varying sizes of the fungi adds to the overall depth of your work.I think they are beautiful and would make a lovely picture to hang on the wall.Hugs, Neet xx

Hi Alison - it's been so long since I stopped by but I just HAD to tell you how INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL your mushroom species turned out!! My Daddy - even at 94 - loved hunting/cooking mushrooms! YUM!!! I am sure your species would taste great because they are DELICIOUSLY DELIGHTFUL! I love the green background because it makes me think of the fun it is to wander thru the woods hunting!! SUPER FUN to see your creativity!! Hope you are doing well. Hugs,j.

You have painted these mushrooms so exquisitely. The mushrooms look just as mushrooms look, the stalks look like stalks, but the painting of them is so delicate. I also love the green loose watercolour background, no detail but just perfect. How amusing that you have created a new species, I wonder if it is edible.Thanks for your visit to my blog, Alison, nice to meet you.

A fantastic watercolour and I love your cute mushrooms xx love the colours and background details x having been on. fungi Foray I totally love this creation and the importance of mushrooms in our Eco system xxx

Alison, i wonder if you know just how inspiring you are? Your mushrooms look beautiful at every stage! And from your imagination-even better! Your hand at watercoloring sure has turned into a beautiful journey ,one I am so glad you have taken us along on. Remarkable work! ")Jackie xo

Wow Alison, is there nothing you can't do...water colour painting, wow!! I just love mushrooms, it's one of my goals this summer as a new photographer, to search out some fun fungi to photograph! Your painting is brilliant, love this to bits! hugs :)

Still struggling to find a bit of time for blogging (also for myself sadly) but today I just can no more resist admiring your last creative works and read you Alison!! :DYour mushrooms are fabulous!!!!Though they were already beautiful at start I agree with you, no regret to have I think regarding the final result.... Love love love :) xx

Beautiful watercolor! It is so cool, that these mushrooms came out of your mind! I like the green background too, although I think, the watercolor of the mushrooms without it is also much wonderful, but with the adding into the hats.Rike x

Ooooh, very nice fungi, Alison! It seems you are a natural with the watercolors and what a fabulous imagination you have to whip these up out of your mind. A little whimsical, as every mushroom should be, I think. Just like all dogs should be boys and all cats, girls. The detailing on on the caps is what catches my eye! Love these little samples you are sharing with us! Inspiring! And thank you so much for the information on the crackle on your tiny bottle. I was wondering if it were DecoArt glaze. I laughed at your subliminal words about "turning in". I suppose having only a few hours of sleep would make you think of turning in! Ha! Ha! enjoy your weekend!

Beyond thrilled to be one of Tim Holtz's

About Me

My name is Alison, and I'm a completely addicted crafter. Although I've done bits and pieces most of my life, this whole world of stashes and challenges and talented, inspirational crafters has blown me away since I discovered it in summer 2012.
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All content on this page, including text, photos and designs are copyright Alison Bomber. They are made available for personal inspiration, but please do not use them for profit or gain by means of publication or contest submissions without written permission. Many thanks.